AN IMPRESSIVE collection of Gaelic acts perform at the Philharmonic Hall this month as the Liverpool Irish Festival returns for 2007.

The city has always had strong links with Eire, and at the end of October, poets, artists, authors, musicians and other cultural ambassadors will be making the journey across the Irish Sea for all the fun of the Festival.

On Friday, October 19, folk band The Dubliners kick off the Philharmonic’s contribution to the event, with another of the earthy performances which has kept them at the top of their game for the past 40 years.

The Concert Room of St George’s Hall hosts fiddler Nollaig Casey and guitarist Arty McGlynn in a special collaboration on Saturday, October 20 at 7.30pm.

That same evening, the hugely popular Brian Kennedy, who represented Ireland at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest, is on the Philharmonic stage with more of the balladry which has served him well after a six-year musical apprenticeship alongside Van Morrison.

Bono of U2 believes Moya Brennan of Clannad has one of the most beautiful singing voices on the planet.

You can see (and hear) why when Moya, backed by the strings of the RLPO, enchants the Philharmonic Hall audience on Sunday, October 21.

Another big name joining the line-up is Capercaillie, possibly the biggest folk band in the world.

Blending traditional Scottish and Irish sounds, vocalist Karen Matheson fronts the band, with some special guests to be revealed during the concert.

The final festival performer at the Phil is soloist Gilbert O’Sullivan who was a mainstay of the UK charts in the 1970s with his showman-style tunes.

There is a host of events taking place throughout the city to mark Liverpool Irish Festival 2007.

For a full round-up and last-minute announcements, visit www.cainsliverpoolirishfestival.com

To book tickets for the Philharmonic Hall concerts, call 0151-709 3789.